Where are the Greek olives for Tassos® products grown?
Tassos® table top Olives are grown harvested and packed from different regions on the mainland of Greece. The olives used for Tassos® Olive Oil are grown, harvested, and pressed in the region of Peza, located on the island of Crete. The International Olive Oil Council has designated this region protected due to the superb and unique quality of olive oil it produces.

What makes Tassos® Olives different?
Harvested by hand and fermented with out chemicals or additives, Tassos® Olives are all natural and pesticide free. Each olive is inspected twice to ensure quality and size. The brine within each jar is carefully prepared allowing consumers to enjoy the natural flavor of the fruit rather than an intense salty flavor. The brine may also be utilized as a salad dressing or marinade.

What makes Tassos® Olive Oil different?
Tassos® Olive Oil is estate-bottled on the island of Crete. The unripe Koroneiki olives, grown only on the rolling hillsides of Crete give Tassos® Olive Oil its unique emerald green color. Tassos® Olive oil has four distinct profiles. The Tassos® Extra Virgin and Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil have a very robust peppery flavor with a long finish. Tassos® Fine Virgin Olive Oil has a smooth ripe taste while Tassos® Pure Olive Oil, has a lighter fruity essence. Tassos® Olive Oils are produced in the region of Peza. This region is designated as protected, by the International Olive Oil Council, specifically for the quality of olive tree cultivation and the geological and climate conditions. The resulting olive oil is known as one of the world's finest.

What varieties of Olives are available from Tassos®?
Kalamata, Natural Black, Pitted Kalamata, Organic Kalamata, Organic Black, Blonde, and Mediterranean Mix (a medley of Blonde, Evian, Kalamata, & Black Olives) are all packaged in a brine containing spring water, sea salt, wine vinegar and Tassos® Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The brine of these olives makes a flavorful ingredient for Mediterranean salad dressings and marinades. Tassos® Evian and Evian Stuffed Pimiento, Almond, Garlic or Onion are available in spring water and sea salt that never exceeds 4% in volume.

Soon to be available at various locations: Olive Parade - a combination of Double Stuffed Olives, Roasted Red Peppers and Onions; Olive Holiday - an assortment of Olives, Peppers, Onion and Thyme; Olive Medley - An assortment of mixed olives aith oregano; and Double Stuffed Jalepeno and Garlic Olives. All will be available in half liter jars.

What is Tassos® Bruschetta?
Tassos® Bruschetta is a multi purpose olive based product. Currently four distinct flavors are available: Mediterranean (Evian and Black olives with Capers, Peppers, Sun-dried Tomatoes, and Herbs), Classico (Kalamata Olives, Garlic and Herbs), Olivara (Evian Olives, Feta Cheeses and Herbs), and Olivepeno (Evian Olives, Jalapeno Peppers and Herbs). The Bruschetta can be served as an appetizer on crackers or on toast. In addition it can be used as marinade for chicken or fish, a topping for pizza, omelets and pasta, or as a sandwich filler.

What types of Tassos® Olive Oils are available and what distinguishes them from each other?
Tassos® Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the highest grade of olive oil. The oil is first cold pressed, from unripe Koroneiki olives and is the only olive oil in the United States Market with oleic acidity level less than .5%. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is commonly used for dipping, salad dressings, marinades and sautéing.

Tassos® Fine Virgin Olive Oil is first cold pressed from more mature olives, and has an oleic acidity level under 1%. While generally used in the same way as Extra Virgin Olive Oil, this olive oil profile is milder in flavor but still meets the Extra Virgin Olive Oil standards. This oil is also often used for cooking.

Tassos® Pure Olive Oil is a blend of Extra Virgin and refined olive oil. It serves as a great alternative to canola or vegetable oil. The flavor is even milder then the Fine Virgin and is well suited for cooking, frying, or baking. It is a nice introduction to those just beginning to enjoy olive oil.

Tassos® Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the first USDA Certified Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil to be imported to the United States. The olives harvested and pressed are certified organic from soil to fruit. The olive oil is stored under the strict inspection of USDA agents.

Do your olives need refrigeration after opening?
Since, Tassos® products contain no preservatives we strongly recommend that the olives be refrigerated to maintain ultimate freshness.

What is the life of Tassos® products after opening?
Once opened and placed in the refrigerator the products may be consumed for up to 18 months. Once opened and stored in a cool place away from direct light, Tassos® Olive Oil can be consumed for up to 12 months. The olive oil should never be placed in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that as olive oil ages, the flavor and aroma weaken.

How should Tassos® products be stored prior to opening?
Before opening, all Tassos® products should be stored in a cool dark pantry or on a shelf out of direct light.

What is the clear or white film that develops on top of the olive jars?
The clear film on top of the brine is a layer of Olive Oil that has solidified due to changes in temperature. Simply remove the jar from the refrigerator for 30 minutes and the olive oil will dissolve and return to its liquid state. The white film, scientifically speaking, is a result of oxidation. There is a reaction that occurs between the vinegar and the air present in the jar. Simply remove the layer of white film with a spoon. Then remove and rinse any olives that may have come in contact with the film. The olives are safe for consumption and may be placed back in the brine.

Are Tassos® Olives and Olive Oils kosher?
Although Tassos® products are not certified kosher, neither meat nor dairy are processed at the olive oil facility. Tassos® Olivara Bruschetta does contain cheese, but no meat is processed at the olive facility. Olives and Olive Oil, by their nature, are kosher.

Do Tassos® products contain Gluten?
No, none of Tassos® products contain gluten. None of the vinegars are grain based and the sea salts are natural.

Do Tassos® products contain alcohol?
The red wine vinegar has a negligible amount of alcohol, which occurs during the natural fermentation process.

Does Tassos® Olive Oil contain cholesterol?
No. Like all vegetable and seed oils, olive oil is cholesterol-free.

Does Tassos® Olive Oil have more fat and calories than other cooking oils?
No. All oils have the same number of calories per tablespoon. However, Tassos® Olive Oil is so rich in flavor that less is needed for great taste. Olive Oil, due to the presence of mono-unsaturated fats, has been linked to a reduced risk for heart disease and some cancers.